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20.09.2008
The day after
The fleet of 29 competitors in the “European Capital of Culture – Cap
Istanbul” is quayside in Cagliari once again. The search organised to locate
Christophe Bouvet, the skipper of SIRMA, fell into the water on Friday
night, necessitating a postponement of the race and a return to the nearest
port. A briefing between the skippers and organisers led to a reminder of
the safety procedures…
There’s a fair amount of breakage amongst the Figaro Bénéteau in the
“European Capital of Culture – Cap Istanbul” fleet. A number of competitors
had their feathers ruffled in the brutal squall which shook the fleet, not
to mention the damage suffered during the search for Christophe Bouvet.
However, material breakage is a trifling matter in light of the concern
generated in the search mission.
The race reasserts itself
At the briefing, the racers listened very attentively to the initial
conclusions of the organisational team on safety. Race Director Christian
Goût focused on some elementary gestures: wear your lifejacket when
conditions become difficult, have a flashlight about your person and a
whistle to guide the rescuers, activate the MOB function on the automatic
pilot… All this was said in the presence of Christophe Bouvet, the escapee
still amazed to be here amongst his friends.
Now the race must reassert itself because that’s the finest service we can
pay Christophe, because all the racers say that this “European Capital of
Culture – Cap Istanbul” is a fantastic race and that it must reindex. The
start of the second leg was set for eleven o’ clock tomorrow, but a briefing
bringing together the organisers and competitors will decide whether there
should be an additional delay according to the repairs which still need to
be made on certain boats.
Christophe’s misfortune has made a mark: the result is the heightened
awareness that the risk of falling in the water is the greatest danger lying
in wait for solo sailors. The racers are already reflecting on ways to
strengthen safety aboard. Among the various options envisaged is one to
emphasise the racers’ individual responsibility as regards passive safety
devices. We know for example that, under the cover of darkness, it is
quicker to spot a man in the water with sounds rather than visually. Having
a powerful whistle in your trouser pocket is a simple gesture which could
save lives. In the same way, Christian Goût and all the organisational team
have insisted that the racers carry with them a flashlight, don’t think
twice about wearing a lifejacket, programme their automatic pilot to man
overboard mode which enables the boat to be stopped if this arises…
An active chain of solidarity
One thing for sure is that this misfortune at sea has brought this small
community of racers in the Cap Istanbul even closer together. Everyone had
their part to play in proceedings and added their stone to the wall which
enabled Christophe to be saved, even though some will remember more than
others. Paul Meilhat who pinpointed Christophe and pulled him out of the
water is in his first big race on the Figaro circuit. A rookie through and
through, since the start of the race he has finished the prologue in fourth
place, found himself at the head of the race after the first night of the
first leg, and ended up rescuing Christophe. For this young skipper, whose
talent is only equalled by his modesty, it’s certainly not a banal entry
into the world of Figaro sailors.
The rescue of Christophe is above all the operation of a chain of solidarity
where everyone took the position required of them. It is worth noting that
there were a number of sailors who wanted to participate in the rescue but
knew they should stay back because others were better positioned to help:
the clairvoyance of Gildas Mahé who accompanied the organisation boat
alongside Christophe Bouvet’s boat, the blindingly quick thinking of Gérald
Véniard who proposed a technical solution to locating the tracking of
Christophe’s course, Jeanne Grégoire’s composure in effectively relaying
information from race management, the lucidity of Matthieu Girolet in
indicating an abnormal situation aboard SIRMA to race management. The racers
and organisers alike can be proud. It was the efficiency of this small
community which, total autonomously, was able to put the necessary means in
place.
Reaction from Cumali Varer, President of the Organisation Committee:
“What happened last night is nightmarish as much for Christophe Bouvet
himself, as his family, the sailors and the organisation. We were able to
bare witness to the spirit of sailors’ solidarity that evening, who did
everything in their power to find Christophe. Whatever the weather, safety
is paramount. In a short space of time, the situation can become a
catastrophe, as we’ve seen.
It is paramount that we don’t neglect safety and that too is the role of the
organisation of a race of this scale. We hope that Christophe Bouvet will
recover quickly and be able to take to the sea again soon. Thank you to
everyone for reacting so quickly. The race will set off again tomorrow.”
Reaction from Christophe Bouvet, skipper of SIRMA
“Up till now I’d willingly say that only rugby could bring forth the true
values of solidarity between men. Today, I know that I can add sailing to
that. I am here now, because all the racers and organisers came to my aid,
bar none. Furthermore, they did this with a very great level of
professionalism. I won’t be taking the start of the second leg tomorrow
morning, but I’d really like to be granted a special dispensation to do the
last leg between Gallipoli and Istanbul. That’s why I’ve requested my boat
be delivered by two préparateurs. Symbolically, for SIRMA, my Turkish
sponsor, and for the relationship with the other racers, I’d really like to
be there…”
Message from Françoise Marchetti, Christophe Bouvet’s partner
“Hello, I’m hoping that you’ll be able to pass on a message to the families of the
sailors, as well as to the sailors themselves and I’m counting on you to
convey this to them.
Christophe’s life was saved thanks to the perseverance and solidarity of the
sailors. Thanks to their great professionalism, their intelligence in the
situation, and their sentiment of humanity.
Perseverance because they didn’t give up even though they knew Christophe
had been in the water for over 4 hours. Solidarity because nobody thought
twice about joining together the necessary forces to save this life.
Intelligence in the situation because they almost instinctively implemented
some pragmatic and effective solutions to pinpoint his location.
Professionalism, because they had a rational attitude, bringing together and
sharing their skills. Humanity because they didn’t hesitate between
continuing the race and saving the man of my life and the father to Tom. I
know these are only words, some of them big, but I hope they know that I put
my heart and soul into them. Eric (Drouglazet), Gérald (Veniard), Paul
(Meihlat) , thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you too of course to all those who called me and gave me support last
night and this morning. Christophe spoke of the great solidarity of sailors.
For my part I can confirm that the solidarity of the families of the sailors
is very much in evidence too. Rinette, Estelle, Emmanuelle, you know how
much I love you for who you are and what you do, that’s for sure.
Nevertheless, take a step back and look at how rare this type of situation
is in relation to how much time your spouses spend at sea… reassure your
children for us too.
Thank you too to Vincent, for your comforting words which relieved a little
of the anguish, that little bit was already a lot. And thank you to the Race
Director for his calmness.
Finally thank you above all to Christophe, who thought so hard about us to
the extent that he didn’t give up… I recognize that element of you …
Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression
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